Any good tips/resources to help my bunker play ?

[ADixon]

I have really been struggling to consistently get out of bunkers near the green. I have have watched a variety of youtube vids and other stuff, but wanted to see if there was anything in particular that was especially helpful to any of you. Ex: Drills, videos, articles, tips. Im open to anything lol

[cnosil]

The best method would be to get some lessons.  Since we don’t know what you swing looks like or the kind of bunkers you are playing out if giving any kind of advice is difficult.   I would suggest Dan Grieve; his YouTube videos and book go into how to play out of bunkers and deal with varying conditions.  

[JAYER38]

Hit into them more so you have to play out of them more.... It exactly how I learned but not exactly the best method. 

Most courses don't have a practice bunker which makes it very tough to do that outside of playing so I just started to aim my shot for a bunker and learn to play out of them. It target/distance practice for approach shots while also getting some sand skills.

[EnderinAZ]

What @cnosil said is most likely the best advice. But for a quick "no swing advice" answer I say commit to your shot. Don't stand behind the ball and choose a swing only to change what you chose after you stand over the ball. Pick a shot in your mind and stick to it. All of it. Don't decelerate the swing speed, change your grip, or direction. For a while " Pick it, grip it, and rip it".

[NM01]

Lessons. Or go to rebelliongolf.com and get use the bounce and use the bounce2.0

[Haro]

I like how Rory and R Fowler demonstrates bunker play 

stand square and bring the hands  low and  shaft is more horizontal to skim the ball onto the green from the sand 

[Dweed]

On 6/17/2024 at 11:31 AM, ADixon said:

I have really been struggling to consistently get out of bunkers near the green. I have have watched a variety of youtube vids and other stuff, but wanted to see if there was anything in particular that was especially helpful to any of you. Ex: Drills, videos, articles, tips. Im open to anything lol

First off @ADixon, glad to see you are using the forum to ask questions and seek info. Welcome. can't beat lessons if you can. I like @JAYER38 thought process but then I might get po'd cause I did hit into it. So I go to my local park and find times when the little kiddos are not around, early AM or just before dark. I hit balls out of the volleyball court, sand areas around swings and other playground equipment. That practice has really helped me a lot.

[Kenny B]

On 6/17/2024 at 9:14 AM, RickyBobby_PR said:

Lessons. Or go to rebelliongolf.com and get use the bounce and use the bounce2.0

@ADixon  These two videos by Monte completely transformed my bunker and short game.  It’s very satisfying to get an up and down out of a bunker!!

Monte's method is very much like described by @Haro…  square stance, maybe very slightly open, low hands when the ball needs elevated, and make a normal swing.  The important thing about getting the ball out of the bunker is to finish your swing with club over shoulder.  Sand has to be thrown out for the ball to come out.

[JAYER38]

11 hours ago, Dweed said:

First off @ADixon, glad to see you are using the forum to ask questions and seek info. Welcome. can't beat lessons if you can. I like @JAYER38 thought process but then I might get po'd cause I did hit into it. So I go to my local park and find times when the little kiddos are not around, early AM or just before dark. I hit balls out of the volleyball court, sand areas around swings and other playground equipment. That practice has really helped me a lot.

This is honestly a solid practice idea... Never even thought about that 

[cksurfdude]

10 hours ago, Kenny B said:

... make a normal swing.  The important thing about getting the ball out of the bunker is to finish your swing with club over shoulder.  Sand has to be thrown out for the ball to come out.

make a normal swing

Repeating for emphasis.

I've struggled out of the bunkers. A lot. For a long time.

One of the main reasons I, and other amateur players, do is simply because - we think we have to change our swing to some kind of strange magic levitation act.

No. Make your normal swing. 

I will repeat what @Kenny B Said because I know it works: 

* The only thing you're doing different is hitting behind the ball. How much behind doesn't matter!

* Make your normal swing .. smooth and steady .. keep moving into a full finish!

* Your only swing thought is to "splash" the sand that's under the ball onto the green! 

At this point do not worry about how far it goes, or where it goes.

Job #1 = get the ball out of the bunker and anywhere on the green, from where you can (hopefully) two putt.

 

PS: love the playground idea @Dweed!!

[Kenny B]

34 minutes ago, cksurfdude said:

make a normal swing

Repeating for emphasis.

I've struggled out of the bunkers. A lot. For a long time.

One of the main reasons I, and other amateur players, do is simply because - we think we have to change our swing to some kind of strange magic levitation act.

No. Make your normal swing. 

I will repeat what @Kenny B Said because I know it works: 

* The only thing you're doing different is hitting behind the ball. How much behind doesn't matter!

* Make your normal swing .. smooth and steady .. keep moving into a full finish!

* Your only swing thought is to "splash" the sand that's under the ball onto the green! 

At this point do not worry about how far it goes, or where it goes.

Job #1 = get the ball out of the bunker and anywhere on the green, from where you can (hopefully) two putt.

 

PS: love the playground idea @Dweed!!

I watched Monte’s bunker videos over and over… practiced over and over.  I went to Monte’s clinic; during the bunker segment after one swing, Monte said to the class that was how it’s done.  Made me feel pretty good.  

Getting into a greenside bunker doesn’t scare me anymore.  When I do, I can get out nearly all the time and I make a lot of sandy pars.  Longer shots are still a problem; we have greenside bunkers where it takes 10-15 YARDS just to clear the bunker, let alone get to the hole!!

[cnosil]

24 minutes ago, Kenny B said:

Getting into a greenside bunker doesn’t scare me anymore.  When I do, I can get out nearly all the time and I make a lot of sandy pars.  Longer shots are still a problem; we have greenside bunkers where it takes 10-15 YARDS just to clear the bunker, let alone get to the hole!!

Even in “muddy” bunkers like Virginia has

[brodonnell17]

Something I've been doing lately that's working well is keeping my head down and eyes focused behind the ball for the entire swing. Before I would be thinking of all the tips I've heard... dig back foot into sand, open face, finish hands horizontal, etc. I would then overthink and mishit the ball. I would look back at the sand and see I hit 6 inches behind where the ball was at. By keeping my eyes focused on my target and just making a committed swing through, I'm getting out 90% first try. 

P.s. This mindset is use has been for green side bunkers.

[Bossfan]

Some will frown on this. I actually have a couple of places I can go and practice in the sand near me. The problem is when I go there is alway a couple of guys in the practice bunker and a couple of more waiting so I could never get much time to practice bunker shots. A few years ago I bought this Tour Edge 1 out wedge just to try because I was so frustrated with my bunker play. I am now on my second one and I am almost automatic getting out of the bunker and on the green. Honestly it’s the best $30 I’ve ever spent to help my game.

[EEZurg]

Check out Danny Maude.....watch his bunker videos.  He even has one where he teaches his Dad.

 

He makes it simple....encourages just getting out and THEN fixing distance/height etc.

 

Helped me.....

[Kenny B]

10 hours ago, cnosil said:

Even in “muddy” bunkers like Virginia has

Those don’t qualify!  They are tight lie flop shots!!

[TJ Hall]

On 6/17/2024 at 11:31 AM, ADixon said:

I have really been struggling to consistently get out of bunkers near the green. I have have watched a variety of youtube vids and other stuff, but wanted to see if there was anything in particular that was especially helpful to any of you. Ex: Drills, videos, articles, tips. Im open to anything lol

Im not a teacher, but this is what works for me.  I open the club a little bit (not wide open) with a slightly open stance.  Weight is forward, and commit to swinging down and under (assuming sand is not solid mud!).  Hit slightly behind the ball.

For practice, draw a line behind the ball and focus on that.

Growing up, would throw a couple balls in a bunker just to practice and get a feel for it.  Keep working at it, you’ll find something that works for you one day!

[tdroma98]

On 6/17/2024 at 11:31 AM, ADixon said:

I have really been struggling to consistently get out of bunkers near the green. I have have watched a variety of youtube vids and other stuff, but wanted to see if there was anything in particular that was especially helpful to any of you. Ex: Drills, videos, articles, tips. Im open to anything lol

@ADixon, bunker play around the greens can be a challenge, as well as frustrating.  I remember an interesting video done by Martin Hall of the Golf Channel's School of Golf - here is the link: 

I found Martin's explanation very simple to follow in developing the correct fundamentals for getting out of a bunker.  Good Luck I hope the video helps! 

[bama no 1]

I also struggled with this very issue.  I think most people think that they have to swing hard to get the ball out of the bunker.  Unfortunately, this is not true.  when I learned that you dont have to swing that hard to get the ball out is when i was able to hit clean shots out of the bunker.

Granted when you have 40-50 yard bunker shot you will have to swing hard but not so much for greenside bunkers.

[golfjunky79]

I watched every youtube video and even took a lesson on bunkers and everyone said something diffrent. I really sucked badly. Then a friend at work seen me hitting out of the bunker on our round a few months back and stopped me and said dude. Can you hit a fat shot i said ofcourse i can he said swing normal like you would out of the rough and make sure to follow through. Never had an issue again i hit 9 out of 10 out of the bunker now. I also can now use my 60 degree out of the bunker couldnt do that before i would always knife it i used my 50 degree. So my advice is swing normal and dont be scared to swing hard the farther out the bunker the less lofted club you use. 20yd 60degree 40 yd 56 degree 80 yd 50 degree so on so forth.hitem straight.

[Pando]

The simplest swing thought for me that has helped is speed! Speed through the ball.   
 

for practice - I think most amateurs struggle with low point control. In bunkers and also approach shots. Get on some sand or dirt, draw a line and simply practice hitting the line over and over.  If you can do that then add SPEED…when you are over the ball in your round imagine the line 1-2 inches behind the ball and go for it!

[TJ Hall]

Had some fun experiences with bunkers this past Saturday…

Hole 1: greenside bunker, dug get into nice soft sand…swing club and quickly bounced into the ball with hard pack just under the ball

Hole 2: 60 yard bunker shot, picked clean (ball then sand) right on line 15 feet short of pin

Hole 12: green side bunker, nice soft sand and good shot out 3 feet to hole (of course I missed the putt!)

This course has very inconsistent bunkers, so it is always an adventure when you get in one 

[Julius]

I struggled for a long time then when I was getting lessons once the coach asked if there was anything else and I mentioned i struggled with bunkers.  He immediately got us into one (there are practice bunkers at my club) and showed me some key tips - keeping my stance wide, getting my hands low, and committing to eh shot, not slowing down.  For the most part this has worked well, some lies are much tougher than others and the wet/dry nature of the sand also has an impact, but overall that lesson stays with me. Then you just need to practice it a bit. 

[Dbldips]

Check out Dan Grieve on Instagram. He has broken chipping and sand play down to 3 simple releases, brilliant. When you get to a practice area you'll  be able to understand the correct setup, which I believe is the reason most amateurs get frustrated. Give that a try it will help. 

[Donn lost in San Diego]

On 6/17/2024 at 8:31 AM, ADixon said:

I have really been struggling to consistently get out of bunkers near the green. I have have watched a variety of youtube vids and other stuff, but wanted to see if there was anything in particular that was especially helpful to any of you. Ex: Drills, videos, articles, tips. Im open to anything lol

1.  Use a dedicated sand wedge.  Full stop.  The old Hogan Sure Out 56 x 12, big heavy sole, is still a winner.  The weight of the sole helps, not just the size, shape, and bounce.  Don't try to use a all purpose, or your fav less-than-full swing wedge.

2..  Find a practice sand even if it is further away.  Go there 2x - 3x weekly for 45 minutes.  Don't keep hitting once you get bored.

3.  I follow the plain Jane formula:  dig feet in, hit sand behind, always follow thru, don't quit on the shot.

4.  Gauge if you can putt out, using enough speed to go over lip.  If sand is hard pack, wet, then putt, don't try the normal. 

[SDunne]

I'd back a few of those that have talked about Dan Grieve and Danny Maude - two people I think break down the short game really well and have some great videos on bunkers as well. 

That being said, the key is definitely practice. Some have talked about it - make a line in the sand where you want to be striking the sand and practice hitting it. It's a different aim to where you would be normally looking to strike with a wedge so it takes some mental preparation to not aim for the ball. The set up etc is a tough one without seeing what you're doing but most pros/coaches will talk about digging your feet down, hands lower than usual and weight forward. How open the face is depends on what flight you're looking for. 

I have a driving range near me that has a practice bunker and always spend some time working on it as was a real weak point for me. My brother in law is pretty much scratch and last time we went away as a family took his wedge to the beach to practice so there's always a way to get some reps in!!

[Rob Person]

All fantastic advice, tips, and videos to look into!  Thank you spies!

I surely don't practice enough myself, and I have access to a bunker practice area.

From my limited experience, while the methods are all very similar,  the position in the bunker can make it difficult too. Under the rim, I usually try to punch out laterally if possible rather than risk a 2nd or third mishit.  Plugged edge lies are horrible no matter what too. For any other bunker shot I simply try to hit it out !

I rarely go for the pin if there is a bunker opposite of the green too. Just get it anywhere on the green.

There is no magic cure, but practice will get you there! 

Heck, even one of those kids turtle sandboxes would work!

[Donn lost in San Diego]

13 hours ago, Rob Person said:

All fantastic advice, tips, and videos to look into!  Thank you spies!

I surely don't practice enough myself, and I have access to a bunker practice area.

From my limited experience, while the methods are all very similar,  the position in the bunker can make it difficult too. Under the rim, I usually try to punch out laterally if possible rather than risk a 2nd or third mishit.  Plugged edge lies are horrible no matter what too. For any other bunker shot I simply try to hit it out !

I rarely go for the pin if there is a bunker opposite of the green too. Just get it anywhere on the green.

There is no magic cure, but practice will get you there! 

Heck, even one of those kids turtle sandboxes would work!

Yes your decision making is correct.  High lips are there on purpose to force you to get out in the "wrong" direction, costing you ONE stroke.      The harder the plug, the harder you have to hit AND FOLLOW THROUGH.  It's all in the head.  You have to always be confident that even when swinging real hard, all of that extra energy goes to move the sand, not the ball.  You are moving 2x or 3x more sand than if the ball is lying on top of sand.       Good 4 u on using yesterdays clubs.  I used to go thrifting, buy clubs to donate to local schools after taking it on the range a few times or a round or 2.  Fun, good learning.  You can get the Hogan Sure Out on ebay for $50ish with plenty of groove left in it.  Callaway I believe bought Hogan Co. way back when, just to get the Sure Out.  They don't make one like that anymore, but the design was copied by Alien and many other budget TV Infomercial types.  I think newer design sand w might be more accurate in skilled hands but not for you.  There is a trade-off between accurate versus consistent.

[Medfloat]

Stay out of them.  If you can’t stay out of them and haven’t practiced how to hit in them take an unplayable, drop on the grass and play on.  You don’t want to ruin your day trying repeatedly to get out of a bunker until you have practiced…to hit that shot you need to build a slightly wider stance.  Get more of your weight towards your forward leg. Slightly open the club (wedge) about 3ish degrees.  Swing the club towards the ball and try to get the club to hit completely under the ball (do not try to hit the ball. Keep your swing speed the same all the way though while simultaneously keeping the face of the club slightly pointing up.  Good luck with practice…